Fontinalis antipyretica

Willow Moss

I had some of this plant years ago, it truely is a moss. It was very slow growing, looks good in mass planting, but boring if it's only 1 or 2 plants. Mine lived for almost 2 years before it browned off and died. It does not like to be disturbed, so plant it on some wood, which looks really good, or a mass planting in the corner of tank, and leave it alone, after a while the stones go brown with sediment, which adds to the effect, so leave it as long as you can.

Several months ago I had purchased several pieces of Java moss for my aquarium, from a well known suplier. When it arrived it was a very dark green, but nonetheless alive. I took the time and effort to rinse it out, and then attach it to the driftwood pieces that I had picked out for the project. Once complete, I had left it in the aquarium for about a week and a half before adding any ferts. The moss started to grow very slowly, but never turned the nice lush green desired. I attempted to try everything and even changed my lighting to allow the 0.7 W/L. Still nothing had changed. I started to contact the place where I purchased the plant and they said that they were having the same problem. After contacting several other places I was advised that what I had was probably willow moss instead, and after reading more about the willow moss it appears the other places seem to be correct. So word to the wise be cautious...in addition the store did not even offer to send me a new batch, so I am left with the dark green willow moss slowly growing on the wood.

I got a strand, literally, of this for free from some plants from my LFS. I never paid it much mind, but in the months since it has turned into a beautiful dark green centerpiece to my plants. It does grow slowly, but its coloring has a lot of depth and trumpet snails love to crawl all over it.

I have willow moss too and it is very slow growing as everyone else said. It's not my favorite plant, but it starts to spread while time goes on. It gives a natural appearance once it starts to spread. I recommend to get the fertilzer that is a liquid and the leaves on the plant will drain it up. It's not the best plant for beginners, but could be a start.

Willow moss is a amazing plant to have. My secret to success in keeping the plant lush and alive is using liquid fertilizer and having my fish tank next to a window with lots of sunlight. It is a great plant to have and your fish will love it. Once it starts to grow out your fish will hide in it and make it a new home. After a few months the moss will spread and make your tank look very natural. This plant I noticed grows on wood too. I've had this plant for over two years now.

I got some willow moss free with one of the plants I ordered. I just stuck it on a piece of wood and it has grown into such a beautiful plant. It didn't have any die off or adjustment stage for me, which was great. It's a rich, bright green color and it really compliments red fish or red plants. This is one of my favorite mosses hands down, and I have owned just about all types of moss before.

Willow moss is native to North America and common in ponds, and one of the few plants in shallow fast streams. Often later in the year, it is exposed to the air. I have had my willow moss for a couple months, it is growing well, slow and steady. The growing tips are light green, very nice colour scheme. I have removed chunks a couple times and started new cultures. I would not say it is difficult at all.

I got lucky on a rock expedition about three years ago when willow moss showed up with the rocks. The moss eventually grew to the entirety of my 110 L and I sold 2/3 back to my LFS for around $60, completely unexpected. The plant seems very hardy and I've never had any die-off over the time I've had it. Overall it's a nice addition to my tank and the fish enjoy it.

Got some experience to share for this page? No registration necessary to contribute! Your privacy is respected: your e-mail is published only if you wish so. All submissions are reviewed before addition. Write based on your personal experiences, with no abbreviations, no chat lingo, and using proper punctuation and capitalization. Ready? Then send your comments!